1. Blameless (1 Tim 3:2). Leaders are to be unblamable, having nothing in their lives for which they can be rebuked. (This does not mean that they are sinless.)
2. Husband of one wife (1 Tim 3:2). They are to be one-woman men and faithful to their spouses. Fidelity at home begets fidelity to God in the church.
3. Vigilant (1 Tim 3:2). They are to be spiritually stable, watchful and alert, having a clear, biblical perspective of life and are to be self-controlled.
4. Sober (1 Tim 3:2). Sometimes that word is translated “sober-minded” or “prudent.” It means they know their priorities and be wise and discreet in their ways.
5. Of good behaviour (1 Tim 3:2). Leaders are to have such well-ordered lives that they are honoured for it and are to be examples for others to follow.
6. Given to hospitality (1 Tim 3:2). They are to love strangers, opening their homes for hospitality ministry to those in need and be a blessing to others.
7. Apt to teach (1 Tim 3:2). That phrase is translated from the single Greek word, didaktikos. It is not used only to speak of the gift of teaching or the office of a teacher. It is not saying that a leader must be a great Bible teacher. It is saying that he must be teachable as well as able to communicate biblical truths to others. The word conveys not only the dynamics of his teaching but also sensitivity to other people. He teaches with a meek and gentle spirit. In any case, every leader should seek to study the Word of God and know it well.
8. Temperate (Titus 1:8). Leaders are not to be addicted to alcohol or drugs or craving of any kind. They need to be in control of themselves and be well- disciplined.
9. Not self-willed (Titus 1:7). They should not be self-centred. A church cannot have people in leadership who are concerned only about themselves. The important thing about church leaders is that they be genuinely concerned for the people they are shepherding and the cause of the gospel.
10. Not soon angry (Titus 1:7). Those in leadership cannot have a volatile temperament; they must be patient and have a good disposition and not easily agitated or provoked.
11. No striker (Titus 1:7). This literally means “not a fighter.” A church does not need someone in leadership who solves problems with his fists.
12. Not a brawler (1 Tim 3:3). This attitude corresponds to the physical reaction. A contentious person likes to compete and debate just for the sake of it.
13. Patient (1 Tim 3:3). This is one of the facets of the fruit of the Spirit.
14. Not covetous (1 Tim 3:3). Church leaders should be free from the love of money or fame or other material or intangible things.. A worldly-minded person disqualifies himself.
15. Ruleth well his own house (1 Tim 3:4). Church leaders are required to keep their children and spouse under control with dignity, and be the head of the house.
16. Have a good report of them that are without (1 Tim 3:7). What does the world think of the church leaders as they interact with the unsaved? Their integrity should be above reproach.
17. Lover of good men (Titus 1:8). They should have good desires and motives and do things with sincerity of heart.
18. Just (Titus 1:8). Church leaders are to be fair and equitable, and not prejudiced against any.
19. Holy (Titus 1:8). They are to be consecrated and sanctified in their lives and committed to the service of the Lord in the church.
20. Not a novice (1 Tim 3:6). They are to be spiritually mature and not a newcomer in the faith.
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